Rapha's Pro Team Long Sleeve jersey uses a slightly thicker fabric than the Pro Team short sleeve jersey on which it is based, making it an ideal accompaniment for cool autumn rides over a base layer, and to provide insulation on colder days when worn under a jacket.

The Pro Team Long Sleeve jersey provides an exceptionally good fit, and that is really its biggest appeal. I'm always struggling to get really good fitting jerseys that don't have any excess fabric to flap in the wind and slow you down, and the Rapha jersey measures up to my demands with admirable perfection. But it's definitely cut on the close side, with a tight fit around the torso and arms, so be careful when you're sizing. It's available in sizes from XS to XXL; I found the size small I tested equivalent to similar offerings from Sportful and Assos.

It's made from proprietary polyester/elastane fabric, soft next to the skin, and it has a good deal of stretch, benefitting the fit and comfort. Importantly, it provides a good level of insulation for colder autumn rides when worn over a short sleeve base layer. Rapha says it's a thicker fabric than the short sleeve Pro Team jersey, but it's still very thin and lightweight. That means it covers temperatures ranging roughly from about 7 to 15 degrees just fine. When it gets colder a gilet or jacket will be desirable.

There is no wind resistance in the fabric, so on really brisk windy days with the temperature in single digits, you might want to slip on a lightweight windproof gilet to give you a bit more protection, especially for the first hour of an early morning ride. Come the winter and its colder temperatures, you'll want to sling on a jacket of some description to match whatever conditions you're cycling in.

As well as the unparalleled fit, breathability is where the jersey really excels. You can ride as hard as you like in the current temperatures and you'll struggle to stifle yourself with excess heat buildup. After a three-hour brisk tempo ride over the weekend in a range of temperatures, heading north of 15 degrees, the jersey remained impressively dry despite the high exertion level.

It's a well equipped jersey. There are three capacious rear pockets and on the inside of one pocket is a small zipped pocket, just large enough to keep your house or car keys safe. Also on the rear pockets are reflective bars, along with a couple on the front too.

The Pro Team Long Sleeve jersey is unashamedly a race fit jersey designed for racing snakes wanting a versatile jersey good for autumn as a top layer and colder winter days as a mid-layer. It's a fine alternative for a short sleeve and arm warmer approach, with a bit more warmth that largely negates the need for a gilet when it's not so cold.

Then there is the colour. Where did this green come from? Rapha have to be commended for introducing a new palette of colours to cycling over the years, and while they're certainly not the first to do green, it's a fine addition to the range and a colourful alternative to the more conservative black and blue colour options. It's certainly a colour that'll have you standing out on the road.

Yes it's expensive, and there are more affordable offerings that provide similar performance, if not quite matching the excellent fit. It's also extremely well made, is very durable and every detail has been really well throughout, leaving very little to find fault with.

If you want a comparison, the best fitting jersey I've tested that trumps the Pro Team jersey on price is the Howies Cadence long sleeve jersey, which offers similar insulation properties. The Rapha jersey offers more usable and accessible pockets, the fit is that little bit better around the neck and shoulders, and the colour choices are far more appealing.

Verdict

Extremely well fitting and comfortable jersey, perfect for autumn rides as a top layer, and a middle layer on colder days

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Rapha Long Sleeve Pro Team Jersey

Size tested: Small, Green

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

With a new fabric and refined front panel construction for an improved fit, the long sleeve version of the Pro Team Jersey is made from a heavier weight fabric than the summer version.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Proprietary, high-stretch fabric

Race fit with low-cut collar and high stretch cuffs for comfort

Moisture wicking and bonded seams

Reflective bars on rear pocket and front panel

Three durable rear pockets

Zipped internal valuables pocket

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

For cool autumn days it's a good top layer with very good breathability, and when it gets colder it go under a jacket just nicely.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit is perfect, and the high breathability of the fabric makes it good for brisk rides.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

The Pro Team Long Sleeve jersey is unashamedly a race fit jersey designed for racing snakes wanting a versatile jersey good for autumn as a top layer and colder winter days as a mid-layer. It's a fine alternative to a short sleeve and arm warmer approach, with a bit more warmth that largely negates the need for a gilet when it's not so cold.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,